Kick the can involves one person being ‘it’ and guarding a can. The other players hide, and when ‘it’ finds someone, they go to ‘jail’. A free player can kick the can to free everyone in jail.
Ever wondered about those nostalgic games from childhood? How do you play the game kick the can? It’s a classic outdoor activity that brings fun and excitement to any gathering. The simple premise of kicking a can might seem basic, but the gameplay involves strategy and speed.
It combines elements of hide-and-seek with tag, making it a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants. You’ll find that the easy-to-grasp rules make it perfect for kids and adults alike, creating timeless memories.
How Do You Play the Game Kick the Can?
Kick the Can, a timeless classic, is a game that has brought joy to countless kids (and adults!) for generations. It’s a fantastic way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and have a whole lot of fun. But if you’ve never played before, you might be wondering: how exactly do you play Kick the Can? Well, don’t worry! We’re about to break it all down for you in simple terms.
Setting Up the Game
Before you can start kicking cans and running around, you’ll need to get the game set up. It’s pretty straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Here’s what you need:
Finding the Right Space
The first thing you’ll need is a good playing area. Here’s what to look for:
- A large, open space: Think of a park, a school playground, or a big backyard. You need enough room to run around without bumping into things.
- Relatively flat ground: Avoid areas with lots of hills or uneven surfaces, as these can make running and kicking more difficult.
- Safe environment: Make sure the area is free from hazards like broken glass, holes, or busy roads. Safety first!
Gathering the Players
Kick the Can is a game best played with a group of people. You’ll need at least three players, but the more the merrier! There isn’t an upper limit but keeping it in a manageable size helps. Think about somewhere between 3 and 10 people for a good game.
The All-Important Can
You will also need, of course, a can! Any empty can will do; a soup can, a vegetable can, or even a soda can, as long as it’s empty and clean. Be sure that the can has no sharp or dangerous edges. Now, place this can in the center of your playing area. This can is very important. It is the starting point for the “It” person.
Choosing “It”
Before the game begins, you need to decide who will be “It.” This person will be doing the tagging. Here are a few common ways to choose:
- Counting out: Gather everyone in a circle and use a rhyme or counting game like “Eenie, meenie, miney, moe” to pick the first “It”.
- Volunteer: If someone is eager to be “It,” that makes it easy!
- Drawing straws: Cut up some pieces of paper, mark one with an “X,” and have each person draw one. Whoever gets the “X” is “It.”
Once you’ve chosen, the person who is “It” stands by the can, and everyone else scatters and hides.
The Basic Gameplay
Now that you’re set up, let’s get to the main part: actually playing the game. Kick the Can is basically a combination of hide-and-seek and tag, with a special twist.
The “It” Person’s Role
The person who is “It” has the important job of finding the other players who are hiding. Here’s what “It” does:
- Counting: “It” starts the game by standing near the can and counting to a certain number. This gives everyone else time to run and hide. A standard count is to 25 or 50, but you can adjust this based on the size of your play area and the age of the players.
- Searching: Once “It” is done counting, they shout something like, “Ready or not, here I come!” and begins searching for the other players.
- Tagging: If “It” spots a hiding player, they must run and tag that person. Once a player is tagged, they become a prisoner.
The Hiders’ Role
The hiders have two main goals: to avoid being tagged, and to kick the can! Here’s what the hiders do:
- Hiding: After “It” starts counting, the other players run away and find a good hiding spot. They need to be clever and choose spots that are hard for “It” to find.
- Sneaking and Freeing: While “It” is busy searching, hiders can try to sneak up to the can and kick it. If a hider successfully kicks the can, all of the prisoners are free.
- Staying Hidden: The Hiders need to stay hidden and avoid getting caught.
Jail and Freeing Prisoners
If “It” tags a player, they become a “prisoner” and must go to a designated area called “jail.” This is usually a spot near the can or a spot within the play area. If the prisoners are not freed by a kick of the can, they will remain in jail until the game is over. There are two main ways players can be freed from jail:
- Kicking the Can: As we’ve said, if any un-jailed player manages to sneak to the can and kick it, all the prisoners are released. They can run away and hide again, and “It” has to start searching all over again. This is why the “It” person must guard the can as well as look for the hiding players.
- By remaining unfound/untagged: if someone isn’t tagged by the “It” player they are free to continue playing the game.
Winning the Game
Kick the Can doesn’t really have a set “winner” in the traditional sense. The game typically goes on until everyone has had enough or for a fixed amount of time. The enjoyment of the game is in the running, hiding, and the occasional thrill of kicking the can. It is a way to be active and enjoy playing outside.
Variations of the Game
Like any good game, Kick the Can has some fun variations that can make it even more interesting. Here are a few you might try:
Multiple “Its”
For larger groups, you can have more than one person be “It.” This makes it a bit harder for the hiders, because they must be on alert more often. The “It” players can still tag each other, but it’s usually more common to have the “It” players focus on finding hiders. This variation can make for a faster paced game.
Team Kick the Can
You can divide into teams and each team picks a person to be “It.” Then, teams have to work together to protect their “It” person, and try to kick the can. It is played like the normal version but has a greater focus on teamwork and can be played with a large number of players.
Designated Jail
You can decide a specific area as the “jail,” instead of just having it near the can. It must be within the boundaries of the play area, and is usually a tree, or park bench.
Silent Kick the Can
In this version, players must not make any noise while trying to sneak up to the can to kick it. This makes it more difficult for “It” because the hiders can approach the can without making any noise. It adds a more sneaky, stealth-like component.
Essential Strategies
Although Kick the Can is mainly about running and having fun, there are some clever things players can do to give themselves an edge:
Hiders’ Tactics
- Choose smart hiding spots: Don’t pick the obvious spots! Try hiding behind bushes, trees, or other objects that offer good cover.
- Stay quiet: Avoid making noise while hiding, or “It” might find you.
- Watch “It’s” movements: Pay attention to where “It” is so you can sneak to the can when they are not looking.
- Teamwork and Communication: Hiders can also use teamwork to help each other and communicate quietly, such as with a hand signal to let others know it is safe to try and kick the can.
“It’s” Tactics
- Be patient: Don’t just run around randomly. Look carefully and try to anticipate where hiders might be.
- Guard the can: Don’t let players sneak up and kick the can too easily. Always keep an eye on it, and patrol around it.
- Change directions: If the hiders realize that you are heading somewhere specific, you can change your path to catch them off guard.
Safety First When Playing Kick the Can
Kick the Can is fun, but it’s important to play it safely. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wear proper shoes: Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for running around are best. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, which can make it easy to trip.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your play area and watch out for obstacles that you might trip over.
- Play in daylight: This makes it easier to see and avoid hazards.
- Play with friends: Playing with others helps keep the game safe and fun.
Kick the Can is a simple game that provides hours of entertainment. Now that you know how to play, gather your friends, find an open area, and get ready for some fun! Remember, it is most fun when everyone is playing and having fun.
Kick the Can is more than just a game; it’s a chance to get some exercise, laugh with friends, and create great memories. Whether you are running to hide or chasing to tag, playing Kick the Can is a classic way to enjoy being outdoors. So, go ahead, gather your friends and start a game. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have with this simple yet classic game.
How to Play Kick the Can
Final Thoughts
To play Kick the Can, first choose one player as “it”. This person must close their eyes and count to a set number, while others hide. Once “it” finishes counting, they search for the hidden players.
If “it” finds someone, they must call out that person’s name and that player goes to jail. A player who isn’t caught must kick the can before “it” tags them. This frees everyone in jail. This is how do you play the game kick the can, a must activity in many children’s game collections.
